delete permanently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delete permanently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of removing files or data in such a way that they cannot be recovered. Example: "To free up space on your device, make sure to delete permanently any files you no longer need."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They're useful for storing old data you want to get off the hard drive but are afraid to delete permanently, great for archiving huge digital music files and if you're willing to learn how to edit video on the PC great for storing home movies.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To its credit, Facebook saw this conundrum coming, which is why it has introduced a box for you to tick if you want your account to be deleted permanently following your death.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes he had nothing; messages deleted from his service are deleted permanently.

Forbes

Blockchain's trust-less consensus allows them to be certain that data is used properly and if wanted, deleted permanently.

Forbes

On that day, all the photos and data on the company's servers will be deleted permanently.

TechCrunch

Mr Catt first took legal action after the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) refused his request for all the information held on him to be deleted permanently.

BBC

It's since patched the bug and restored some of the videos, but is notifying some users with an apology that their Live videos have been deleted permanently.

TechCrunch

Click on the file, which is to be deleted permanently.

WikiHow

Whatever is on the clipboard will be deleted permanently.

WikiHow

All the data inside your memory card will be deleted permanently.

WikiHow

Sample copies of books available on the Kindle can't be archived, but can be deleted permanently.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you need to ensure data is unrecoverable, use the phrase "delete permanently" to clearly communicate that the action is irreversible.

Common error

Avoid using only "delete" when you specifically mean "delete permanently". Standard deletion methods often leave recoverable traces. Be explicit about the permanence if that's your intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delete permanently" functions as a directive, indicating a command or instruction to remove something in an irreversible way. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts ranging from file management to account closures, emphasizing the thoroughness of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

53%

News & Media

44%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delete permanently" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the irreversible removal of data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, from Wiki to News & Media, to Academia, highlighting the need for clarity when ensuring data is unrecoverable. While "delete" alone can imply temporary removal, "delete permanently" leaves no room for ambiguity. To achieve this, one must bypass the recycle bin or utilize secure deletion software. Alternatives like "erase completely" or "remove irrevocably" offer similar meanings, but "delete permanently" remains a direct and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erase completely

Replaces "delete" with "erase" and "permanently" with "completely", emphasizing the thoroughness of the removal.

permanently erase

Inverts the order while using synonyms, keeping the meaning intact.

permanently wipe data

Rephrases to highlight the action done to "data".

remove irrevocably

Substitutes "delete" with "remove" and "permanently" with "irrevocably", highlighting the finality of the action.

eliminate entirely

Employs "eliminate" and "entirely" for a formal tone, conveying complete removal.

completely wipe

Uses "wipe" as a synonym for "delete" and "completely" for "permanently", suggesting a thorough cleaning.

destroy all data

Shifts the focus to the consequence of deletion, emphasizing the destruction of data.

remove data for good

Expresses finality using the idiom "for good".

securely delete

Adds the aspect of security to the deletion, highlighting the protection of privacy.

get rid of permanently

Uses a more informal expression, "get rid of", to convey the action of deleting.

FAQs

What's the difference between "delete" and "delete permanently"?

"Delete" typically moves a file to the recycle bin, allowing recovery. "Delete permanently" signifies the file is erased in such a way that it cannot be recovered.

How can I ensure something is "deleted permanently"?

To "delete permanently", bypass the recycle bin (Shift+Delete on Windows) or use secure deletion software that overwrites the data. For accounts, follow the platform's specific instructions for permanent deletion.

What does it mean to "delete permanently" an online account?

To "delete permanently" an online account means your data, profile, and associated information are intended to be removed from the platform's servers, though some data retention policies may apply. Refer to the platform's privacy policy for full details.

Are there alternatives to "delete permanently"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "erase completely", "remove irrevocably", or "completely wipe" to convey a similar meaning.